The Grangers Spotlight celebrates those who get outdoors differently, and this addition focuses on Mike, Andy and Tim, who are three dads who walk all over the country, raising awareness and funding for suicide prevention charity, Papyrus. The three men united after each suffering the tragic loss of their daughters, Beth, Sophie and Emily, through suicide.
3 Dads Walking is more than just a group of fathers on a hike – it’s a powerful movement built on grief, hope and the desire to make a difference. The initiative was formed by three bereaved fathers – Mike Palmer, Andy Airey and Tim Owen – who met through Papyrus. They have utilised their shared heartbreak to unite them in a moving mission: to raise awareness of suicide prevention and support conversations around mental health, especially amongst young people.
Their name, 3 Dads Walking, comes from their fundraising walks across the UK. Together, they’ve covered hundreds of miles, visiting schools, communities and national landmarks, sparking vital conversations about mental wellbeing. Each step they take is both an act of remembrance and a call to action. They have been to parliament, written a book, raised more than £1.4 million and were each made an MBE in 2024.
The outdoors plays a significant role in their mission. Walking not only offers a visible, approachable way to engage the public, but it also represents healing. The natural world provides space for reflection, allowing grieving individuals a calm and pleasant place to mindfully process their emotions whilst helping to reduce stress and anxiety. The dads have covered hundreds of miles and travelled all over the country. Through fields, along rivers and over hills, the dads channel their pain into purpose, proving that even in the face of loss, there is a path forward.
Their cause has resonated nationwide, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities like Papyrus, which focuses on preventing young suicide. But perhaps even more importantly, they’re helping break the silence about suicide, one step at a time.
To discover more about 3 Dads Walking, check out their website: https://www.3dadswalking.uk/.
*Header image taken from the 3 Dads Walking official webpage.
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